This post is more than 5 years old
92 Posts
0
1176
Older Dell Dimension 4700C keeps freezing up.
I have a Dell Dimension 4700C that I purchased in 2005. Originally issued with Windows XP, the computer has been somewhat idle for the last 2 years since Microsoft support for XP ended. I am trying to put the machine back into some level of service but although the machine starts and boots up ok, after a short period of time, the whole thing freezes up. The monitor either goes blank or scrambles and the computer itself freezes up. I have connected the dimension to a new monitor and again after a short time it blanks out while the machine freezes. At this point all I can do is hold down the power button for 10 seconds or so and the machine turns off. Then I press the power again and the computer boots up and restarts. After a few minutes or so, the whole thing freezes as before. Any ideas as to what could be causing this.
Thank you
shesagordie
10 Elder
10 Elder
•
46K Posts
0
March 21st, 2017 08:00
BRUNETTO
If the battery on the motherboard has not been replaced recently, I would recommend that is replaced, you need a 3-V CR2032 lithium coin cell is required, this can be purchased from any Radio Shack, WalMart and most pharmacies and costs $2+-.
Has the 4700C been checked to any dust build up, including the processor heatsink cooling fins and the air intakes located behind the front bezel.
Also, the following may be worth a read:
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000690.htm
Bev.
brunetto
92 Posts
0
March 22nd, 2017 20:00
Hello Bev.
Well, it looks like she really is a gordie. Ha ha .
Thank you so much. So far it seems like it really was the battery. I replaced it a few hours ago and the computer has been running since without a peep. I just hope it is like this tomorrow.
Again thank you so much.
brunetto
shesagordie
10 Elder
10 Elder
•
46K Posts
0
March 20th, 2017 18:00
BRUNETTO
What is the colour of the power button LED, solid green, or amber, or blinking green, or amber?
Check the sequence of the four diagnostic lights on the back panel of the case.
Check the sequence of the four diagnostic lights on the back panel of the case.
Are there any 'Beeps'?
The following is the Dimension 4700c owners manual and diagnostic guide:
http://downloads.dell.com/manuals/all-products/esuprt_desktop/esuprt_dimension_desktops/dimension-4700c_service%20manual_en-us.pdf
See pages 2 to 5.
Bev.
brunetto
92 Posts
0
March 20th, 2017 20:00
Thanks Bev.
The power button is green except for when I first press it. Then, only for about a second, it is amber.
As long as the machine is on, the button remains green.
There are no beeps.
The 4 diagnostic lights A,B,C,D are constantly solid green in that order.
Finally, there are no system messages.
What do you think? Power supply? Motherboard?
Thanks again.